Groom speech - a stunning surprise?

It seems to me that there are a few words that only seem to make an appearance on specific special occasions. We can quite happily go our whole lives without using the word ‘brickbat’, but when a journalist uses it to describe a political strategy, then perfectly normal people will see fit to deploy it whilst describing parenting tactics.

You would never casually slip the word ‘notwithstanding’ into every day conversation, but when it comes to a resignation letter, it falls effortlessly on to the page. And when was the last time you thought it was a great idea to mention being ‘discombobulated’? It’s a great word, best reserved for a student’s end of term report, but stick that into the mix at the pub, and people will think you’re being weird.

That brings me to weddings. Why does every groom on the planet wish to describe their bride as stunning?  It seems like such a clichéd, over egged word, that just smacks of trying too hard, when a simple, more usual word, such as ‘beautiful’, more than does the job. Stunning comes right out of the first chapter of pedestrian groom speeches, along with thanking the wedding planner, and describing your new wife as your soulmate. Your wife will look incredible on the day, so tell in your own words, and leave stunning for landscapes.